Northern Territory to Deploy Armed Officers on Public Buses Amid Safety Concerns

The Northern Territory government will deploy armed Police Public Safety Officers (PPSOs) to patrol public buses and transit areas in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, and Alice Springs beginning in June 2026. These officers will undergo an 18-week training program before starting duties.

The legislation creating the PPSO roles was introduced last year to address rising antisocial behavior on public transport.

First Nations lawyers and politicians have opposed the arming of transit safety officers, stating it will disproportionately impact Aboriginal Territorians. The Central Land Council, the territory's primary Indigenous legal service, described the policy as inherently dangerous and unnecessary. Critics argue the change could make Indigenous people feel less safe rather than more secure.

The NT government introduced the PPSO legislation in 2025 in response to reports of increased antisocial incidents on buses.

These incidents include verbal abuse, vandalism, and physical altercations, according to government statements. The new officers will focus on public transport and public housing areas, expanding beyond unarmed transit safety roles. Training for the first cohort of PPSOs is scheduled to conclude in early June 2026, enabling patrols to begin shortly thereafter.

The government has allocated funding for 20 initial officers, with plans for expansion if the program proves effective. No specific budget figures were disclosed in available reports.

leaders have warned that arming officers in community settings risks escalating tensions.

The North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency echoed concerns about disproportionate effects on First Nations people, who comprise a significant portion of public transport users in the territory. Politicians from Indigenous backgrounds have called for alternative safety measures, such as increased community engagement programs.